Pacific Partnership 2026 reaches Dili, Timor-Leste

The U.S. Navy-led Pacific Partnership 2026 mission opened its two-week stop in Dili, Timor-Leste, on Aug. 12, marking the initiative’s eighth visit to the country and bringing together personnel from Canada, Germany and New Zealand. Over the Aug. 12–26 engagement, participants are working with the Timor-Leste Defence Force (F-FDTL), Timorese specialists and non-profit organizations to bolster regional interoperability, disaster response capacity and security, while deepening ties among nations.

“Pacific Partnership reflects America’s enduring commitment to Timor-Leste and the Timorese people,” said U.S. Embassy in Timor-Leste Chargé d’Affaires Bruce Begnell. “This year, we are proud to work with multiple ministries across the government of Timor-Leste to enhance professional medical services and strengthen disaster management capacity. We are honored to partner with Timorese counterparts across government, the private sector, and civil society to advance the government’s top priorities. Together, we are strengthening Timor-Leste’s disaster response capabilities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for communities across the country. This mission demonstrates that our ongoing partnership with Timor-Leste is built to last.”

An opening ceremony on Aug. 13 at Democracy Camp Field featured cultural performances, a friendly soccer match, and remarks by F-FDTL Lt. Gen. Domingos Raul, the F-FDTL chief of defence, and U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Aaron Taylor, commander of Logistics Group Western Pacific and Task Force 73. “Pacific Partnership demonstrates what nations can accomplish when we invest in relationships before disasters occur,” said Rear Adm. Taylor. “Our return to Timor-Leste for an eighth iteration reflects more than two decades of friendship built on mutual respect and shared experiences. Every exchange during the mission provides an opportunity to learn from one another, strengthen our collective readiness, and build the trust required to respond together when our nations need us most.”

Activities in Timor-Leste span four lines of effort: engineering, medical, disaster management and host nation outreach. U.S. Navy Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Five and Amphibious Construction Battalion One are teaming with Timorese builders on school improvements, including a new two-classroom building at Escola Básica Filial (EBF) Mota Ulun and classroom renovations plus restoration of a handwashing trough at EBF Kasnafar. Medical personnel are conducting joint engagements and expert exchanges in areas such as optometry, dentistry and rehabilitation. Disaster management efforts include a warehouse assessment, a simulation exercise and two civil protection authority events. The Pacific Partnership Band is scheduled to perform at venues including Universidade da Paz (UNPAZ), Timor Plaza Night Market and local schools.

“We are honored to be welcomed by the people of Timor-Leste as we continue Pacific Partnership 2026,” said U.S. Navy Lt. Al-Qumar Atkins, officer in charge of the Timor-Leste mission stop. “Every line of effort has worked tirelessly to prepare for this mission, and we are excited to work alongside our Timorese partners to strengthen the relationships that make our nations more resilient. At its heart, Pacific Partnership is about people–building trust, sharing knowledge, and fostering lasting partnerships that help our communities prepare for future challenges together.”

This year’s visit underscores broader regional integration following Timor-Leste’s accession as the 11th member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in October 2025, and highlights preparation during peacetime to enable coordinated responses during crises.

Now in its 22nd iteration, Pacific Partnership is described as the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission in the region. The U.S. 7th Fleet regularly operates with allies and partners to help maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific, while U.S. Pacific Fleet provides combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests, deter aggression, and reinforce alliances and partnerships across the region.